Dear Brothers and Sisters,

May I share something I’ve recently learned?

Over the past two months, since the Lord invited us as a ward to study the Book of Mormon daily, I’ve felt prompted to also pray and watch for miracles. As I’ve done so, I’ve noticed a pattern. Each day as I’ve studied about our Savior Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon and then actively looked for ways to serve others, I’ve noticed an increase in subtle impressions—simple thoughts that quietly enter my mind. When I’ve acted on those impressions, even when they seemed trivial or uncomfortable, something remarkable would happen. God would do something for someone I was serving. And if I was paying attention, He would allow me to see it.

I became an eyewitness to His miracles.

The Lord declared, “I am able to do mine own work” (2 Nephi 27:20). These past few months have felt like a spiritual “bring-your-child-to-work day,” where I’ve sat beside our Heavenly Father and watched Him do His work. It has been thrilling to see! And the same can happen for each of us.

One truth has become absolutely clear: Heavenly Father is hastening His work. He is aligning our hearts with His at an accelerating pace. At the same time, wickedness is increasing around us as never before. In light of this, may I invite you to consider four simple practices this month that will increase your access to the protection and power of our Savior Jesus Christ to help you through these turbulent final days?

1. Pray more. President Jeffrey R. Holland recently said: “However much you've prayed, pray more. And in however many places you've prayed, pray in more places. However many times during the day you pray, pray more times in the day.” Sincere prayer strengthens our connection to Heavenly Father and brings His peace.

2. Study the Book of Mormon daily. Opening that sacred book is like opening the mouth of God. Feast with Him at His table every day or even multiple times each day. Experience the joy and power that come from hearing His voice and understanding—and living—His word.

3. Worship to remember Jesus Christ. Join us each Sabbath day not just to attend meetings, but to remember yourSavior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Worship Him. Come as early as you can and look before, during, and after our meetings for ways to serve others as He would. Imagine if no one ever sat alone in our ward meetings. Imagine if every voice were raised in songs of praise and if every prayer ended with a heartfelt “Amen” from each person present.

4. Spend more time in the temple. The temple is literally the house of the Lord. Be with Him there. Let Him comfort, teach, sanctify, and empower you to become and serve more like Him.

My dear friends, I love you. This is God’s holy work. May God bless each of us as we strive to assist Him in preparing the earth for the glorious Second Coming of His Son.

With love and appreciation,

Bishop Ben Peterson